Living coral (3/3)

Life among Living Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are more than just habitats. They are like underwater cities, with a
variety of animal and plant residents. In Hanauma Bay, hundreds of different
life forms make their homes among the coral. Each animal carves out its own
niche among the eco-system. Small crustaceans dig holes in the coral. Tropical
fish hide between the crevices between the coral formations and rocks. A form of
life occupies every part of the reef, and each depends on the other.

Coral reefs are balanced ecosystems with each creature doing a job. The coral
provides the vital nutrient cycling process to support life in the tropical
water. This allows algae to grow in what would otherwise be barren waters. Fish
live off of the algae that grow in the water. This prevents the algae and other
plant life from overrunning the coral. The turtles and other sea creatures in
the bay also help keep the algae and coral in balance.

Threats to coral reefs

Living coral faces many threats from nature and from the human population.
Storms can destroy large areas of the reef in a matter of minutes. There are
also threats from predators like fish, snails, worms and starfish who bore into
the coral and eat the polyps. Corals also compete with other creatures in the
ecosystem for space and light. In order to combat these natural threats, corals
have evolved defense mechanisms. Corals produce in large numbers in order to
increase their changes of survival. They also have chemical defenses to prevent
other animals from eating them.

However, coral are subject to other threats that they cannot so easily overcome.
Humans can impact the reef with pollution, sedimentation from nearby
developments, coral harvesting and reef trampling. The Hawaiian government has
taken many steps toward preserving the living coral in Hanauma Bay. There are
restrictions against building in the area, and pollutants are strictly
monitored. Visits to the bay are also limited in order to reduce the human
impact on the area.

Precautions for snorkeling in the Coral Reef

Since coral is a living creature, there are special safety measures you should
take when you are snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Make a special effort not to touch
to coral or stand on it while in the water. The pressure from your body can
crush the tiny polyps and destroy the next growth cycle for the reef. Hawaiian
state law also prohibits removing any live coral from the waters. Offenders face
fees of up to $500.